With so many awarding bodies, training providers, and first aid training options for employers, it can be hard to decide which first aid provider to choose.

How do you choose a training provider to meet your workplace first aid training needs?

First Aid Training Provider Checklist

By using this checklist, you can ensure that the first aid provider of your choice is meeting both the national requirements and your own first aid training needs.

1. Are the trainers and assessors competent and qualified?

First Aid Trainers and assessors should hold:

• a valid first aid at work (FAW) certificate, or
• be registered and licensed as a doctor, nurse, or paramedic, and
• hold a training/assessing qualification.

2. Does the training meet your needs?

Does the course content, training methods, equipment and location meet the needs of your workplace? This can be determined by carrying out a first aid needs assessment.

3. Does the training cover the required amount of time?

In order to meet the requirements of first aid training in the UK, each training course will need to reach the minimum hours required of that course.

These times are as follows:

• First Aid at Work (FAW): at least 18 training and assessment contact hours over 3 days
• First Aid at Work (FAW) Renewal: at least 12 training and assessment contact hours, over two days
• Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW): at least six training and assessment contact
  hours, over one day
• Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) Renewal: at least six training and assessment contact hours, over one day

4. Does the training course cover the required content?

You can see which content needs to be covered on a first aid or emergency first aid course by looking at ‘Appendix 1’ and ‘Appendix 2’ on the HSE guide for first aid providers.

5. E-learning or Blended learning

Some training providers offer blended learning courses, which are a mix of face-to-face with an e-learning element. It is generally accepted that most first aid courses cannot be completely online as the practical elements cannot be completed without first aid equipment or face-to-face contact. For more information about the requirements of blended training courses, please read the HSE guidance.

6. Quality Assurance

Training providers should have an appropriate and documented quality assurance plan in place, assigning an individual to take responsibility for quality assurance. This can include:

• Annual assessment of the skills of trainers/assessors
• Documented course evaluation procedure, including feedback from the students
• Documented complaints procedure
• A workflow designated for the retention and subsequent storage period of a detailed record of assessments for each student
• well-maintained equipment

7. Accepted training standards

Training providers should demonstrate that they are working to the acceptable training standards. This includes:

• Ensuring the class size is appropriate. The ideal trainer to delegate ratio is 12:1 – this is the best way to ensure each delegate has their training needs met and their competence adequately assessed.
• Making reasonable adjustments for delegates with disabilities, or learning or communication difficulties to ensure every individual can access and complete the course equally.

8. Valid certificates

First aid certificates should only be issued by the training provider to those who have been assessed as competent through demonstrating satisfactory understanding, skills and knowledge in all aspects of the course.

Training certificates released should include:

• Name of the training organisation (except Scotland, see HSE for details)
• Candidate name
• Qualification title
• Confirmation that the certificate is valid for three years
• Commencement date
• A statement declaring that teaching was delivered in accordance with the currently accepted first-aid practice
• The topics covered in the course if neither FAW or EFAW and the additional elements added (if the training contains them.
• An indication that the certificate has been
  issued for the purposes of complying with the requirements of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.

Summary

When deciding on a training provider to deliver your first aid training courses, you should look for the following checks:

• Are the trainers or assessors qualified?
• Does the training meet your needs?
• Is the training duration appropriate, and does it cover the required content?
• If the course is delivered via blended learning, have you done any additional checks?
• Does the training provider have a quality assurance plan in place?
• Does the training provider meet the accepted training standards?
• Does the training provider give a valid and appropriate certificate?

POD Training and Consultancy provide Qualsafe accredited First Aid training for you or your employees. Visit our first aid courses to find the training that meets your first aid requirements.

Contains public sector information published by the Health and Safety Executive and licensed under the Open Government Licence